Meningitidis cause of 2 deaths in Macon County

MACON COUNTY, NC - Macon County Public Health officials confirmed an outbreak of meningitis after two people died in the last three weeks.

News release: one of the deaths was caused by Neisseria meningitidis and the second death, suspected to be linked by Neisseria meningitidis, is currently under investigation.

"At this time, and on the advice of state and local health department officials, preventive antibiotics are being provided to individuals known to have come in close contact with individuals infected with the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria," according to the release.

Meningococcal disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that can sometimes cause infection of the bloodstream, meningitis and other serious illnesses.

Symptoms:

Sudden onset of fever
Severe headache
Rash
Stiff neck
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Health officials said the disease can progress quickly and can be deadly.

"Meningococcal is spread by direct contact with saliva such as through sharing eating utensils, foods, cigarettes and other smoking devices, kissing and providing unprotected mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. People do not catch this disease through casual contact, or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been.

Children are required to receive Meningococcal vaccination at 11, 12, and 17 years of age. People of all ages should also wash their hands or use waterless, alcoholbased hand cleanser after touching their face. People should avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking cups or anything that would help the spread of nose and throat fluids."

Macon County Public Health will be working with NC Division of Public Health to help contain the outbreak, and will work with local area health care providers, first responders, funeral homes and other community groups.

Anyone experiencing any of the listed symptoms above is asked to go directly to the emergency room.

If you have questions, call the health department at 828-349-2517.